On the 28th July 2011, my life changed in one phone call with the simple words - 'yes - it's cancer'. I've created this blog, for the benefit of my wonderful close and extended family; and for my amazing friends around the globe, so I can keep you abreast (!) of my journey.

My diagnosis of 2 x grade 3 (fast growing) tumours - type - 'Triple-Negative' - so called
because it doesn’t
have receptors (proteins on the surface
of cells) for the hormones oestrogen and
progesterone, or a protein called HER2, was shocking. This rare aggressive sub-type of breast cancer, therefore, doesn't respond to common
hormonal treatments, such as tamoxifen or
anastrozole (Arimidex®
) or
trastuzumab (Herceptin®
). Survival rates are considerably lower, than for more common types of breast cancer, especially in years 0 - 5, but on a par 5+ years post treatment.

Fast forward to December 2020. Secondary cancer . Triple negative again but the tumour localised to the scar of the primary cancer. The prognosis is weaker. I am buying myself time - with chemo currency.

This will not be a sad tale - but I hope it will amuse you, inspire you, and most of all allow me to lean on you from afar, as you guide me through what looks like a rocky road ahead.

I can't guarantee a happy ending, but hope to make you laugh to the end.

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Chemo's working well!

My chemo scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) has been delayed.
Don't worry - the first dose has worked a bit too well! My bloods haven't recovered sufficiently to take another dose yet. My bone marrow should have kicked in by now & started producing nice new red and white blood cells & neutrophils - but it's in shock - I know how it feels, poor thing!
It does explain why I haven't really 'picked up' this week.
Infected glands.
Honestly - who gets infected glands?
Mind you I did have glandular fever some years ago - maybe that's  how you get them?
Who knows....

I've taken the delay quite positively. I'd rather the chemo worked a bit too well - than not at all.
And I do know it's working...my hair
It's ALL gone.
After the pixie crop last week - clumps of hair, resembling rats tails - kept following me round the house yesterday. Every time I moved - there was another one.....and another.....and another. Shilling sized bald circles were forming on my head.
Time for action.
With Gary's hair clippers.
And a stern talking to myself.
And a deep breath.
I did it.
All off.
Every last bit.
I am officially bald.
Well..Sinead O'Conner-ish
Lily's not keen...but I do match the picture in her fabulous 'Mummy's Lump' book - provided by BreastCancerCare.
Gary 'ooohed' and laughed out loud, and with a twinkle in his eye told me it looked really great - but more Britney Spears on her meltdown.
Dad sang a jaunty number about a baldy sailor - (well what did you expect?)
Mum fought back the tears.

So - the consultant oncologist who rang me at home (I know - this is the NHS - in Devon - incredible) wants me to have a few days off. Plenty of rest & TLC has been prescribed. It's half-term, so Gary & Lily are off school/work. So I think we'll go further south to the Cornish seaside for a few days.
Time away with my gang of three
Fresh sea air.
Crab, prawns & fish galore.
Rest & recuperate.
Ready for round 2.
Must take a hat!
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1 comment:

knittywoos said...

Jane, have only just found your amazing blog, have a good few days away, lots of hugs from your cuz, Jill xxx
PS Can I knit you a hat?

21 October 2011 at 11:56

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